Project Overview 

The Provo River Parkway System is a well-known multi-use trail that stretches over 15 miles through Provo City and Provo Canyon, serving walkers, joggers, bicyclists, horseback riders, and rollerbladers. As part of Provo City’s commitment to sustainability and community well-being, SELS Solar was selected to provide solar-powered lighting solutions to enhance safety along the trail while minimizing environmental impact. 

Challenges 

1. Preserving the Environment – The trail runs through residential areas, commercial zones, and natural landscapes, requiring lighting that minimizes light pollution and disruption to local wildlife. 
2. Reliable Off-Grid Lighting – The city needed a solar-powered lighting solution that operates independently of the electrical grid, ensuring continuous illumination without added energy costs. 
3. Remote Monitoring & Control – The ability to monitor, control, and adjust the lighting system in real time was a key requirement for efficiency and maintenance. 
4. Sustainable Installation – Traditional concrete pole foundations could have increased environmental impact, necessitating an eco-friendly alternative to minimize disturbance to the trail. 
5. Uniform Illumination – Lighting placement needed to provide consistent brightness across the trail for safety while maintaining proper spacing to reduce infrastructure costs. 

Our Approach 

• Deployment of STL PRO Solar Lighting – SELS installed STL PRO Solar Lighting, featuring 18-ft poles and dark sky-compliant luminaires to reduce light pollution while maintaining effective trail illumination. 
• Optimized Lighting Placement – Lights were strategically installed at 165-ft intervals to ensure uniform brightness along the trail. 
• Eco-Friendly Pole Installation – In collaboration with Provo City, SELS utilized direct burial poles with pole setting foam instead of concrete, minimizing environmental disruption while ensuring durable and stable installations. 
• Remote Connectivity & Monitoring – SELS implemented real-time monitoring capabilities, allowing city officials to adjust lighting levels, check system health, and receive alerts via any web-enabled device. 
• Sustainable & Cost-Efficient Solution – The system operates 100% on solar energy, eliminating electricity costs and the need to bring electrical infrastructure to remote sections of the trail, while reducing the carbon footprint and requiring minimal maintenance. 

Results & Key Success Factors 

Enhanced Trail Safety – The solar lighting system has significantly improved visibility for trail users, reducing risks for nighttime activities. 

Zero Energy Costs – The completely off-grid solution saves the city money while providing long-term sustainability benefits. 

Minimal Environmental Impact – Dark sky-compliant lighting preserves local wildlife habits and prevents unnecessary light pollution. 

Seamless Remote Management – City officials can monitor, adjust, and maintain the system remotely, improving operational efficiency. 

Sustainable Installation Method – The use of direct burial poles with pole setting foam reduced the need for concrete, minimizing impact on the trail’s ecosystem. 

Scalability for Future Expansion – The current 1.9-mile deployment is part of a larger plan to extend lighting coverage throughout the entire Parkway System. 

Conclusion 

SELS Solar is proud to partner with Provo City in enhancing one of the most scenic and beloved trails in the United States. By integrating cutting-edge solar lighting technology, real-time remote monitoring, and a sustainable installation approach, SELS has delivered a future-ready solution that aligns with Provo’s vision of a safe, efficient, and eco-friendly community. As the project expands, SELS remains committed to delivering innovative, durable, and high-performance solar solutions for urban and recreational spaces.